Page 33 of Love Medley (Med Wreck Romance #1)

Jesus, this woman. How could anyone harm a hair on head?

She’s the most extraordinary person I've ever met. Then because I can’t hold in my words any longer, I blurt, “I really like you, Lucy. I’m not sure how you feel, but I had to tell you.

I know this thing between us didn’t start off real, but it hasn’t felt fake to me for a while now. ”

Lucy’s pauses for a moment, and my anxiety spikes. Now I’ve done it—I’ve ruined everything and she’s just going to leave. Why did I ever think I even had a chance with someone like Lucy? But these feelings refuse to stay pent up inside of me.

Then Lucy speaks, changing my life forever. “Maybe I didn’t know what I was doing when I recruited you to be my fake boyfriend, but I’m really, really glad I did. I’m not used to taking risks, and this was a really safe way for me to take that leap. I really like you too, Jake.”

Oh my God, is Lucy saying what I think she’s saying? She actually has feelings for me too?

Then Lucy pauses, twisting a lock of hair around a finger. “But I can’t promise Weston won’t come back. I have baggage, and you know that probably better than anyone. You shouldn’t have to take that on.”

Lucy admitting she likes me back fills my lungs with helium; I feel like I can take on the entire world right now. And the possibility of having another run-in with Weston?

Barely a blip on my radar.

“There’s no shame in having a past—we all do. And Weston doesn’t scare me at all. But at the same time, I don’t want to be a rebound, Lucy. If you need more time, I’ll wait. You’re worth it.”

“You could never be just a rebound to me, Jake Whitlock. I wouldn't be able to stay away from you even if I tried,” Lucy murmurs.

I scoot my chair closer to her; any distance between us feels like too much. “Thank God, because that makes two of us.”

We both laugh, breaking the tension. My thigh is now pressing hers, but I still want more. If we were somewhere private, I’d trace her outline with my hands, touch every inch of her skin, and finally give in to the irresistible heat between us.

“Now that’s out of the way, what kind of sushi do you like?” Lucy asks playfully .

We grab a bottle of white wine to pair with the seafood and order a plate of nigiri and a couple of rolls, exactly what I would have ordered on my own. If she wasn’t my perfect woman before, she certainly is now.

How can it be possible to match in so many ways?

From small things like food and music to bigger ones: the way we see the world, how we want to caretake those around us and show up for the people we care about.

The importance of friends, the struggle with expectations from family.

And don’t get me started on how she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.

Throughout the meal, we continue to have easy conversation. I’m buzzing from head to toe, and it’s not from the alcohol. Every moment I spend with Lucy is magic.

We spend two hours at dinner, but it seems like minutes. After I pay the bill for dinner, I ask Lucy if she wants to grab some gelato down the street, because I’m not ready to say goodnight yet.

“I will always say yes to ice cream,” Lucy says, grabbing my hand. “But let me treat you.”

“Fine. But I want my objection to be noted in the record.” I lace my fingers with hers, our hands easily winding together like we’ve done it a million times before, and we stroll to the gelato store.

Lucy selects the coffee toffee, and I pick the chocolate decadence gelato that contains bits of dark chocolate, brownie, and caramel. Everything about tonight is exactly like the ice cream—rich, sensuous, bursting with flavor and promise.

“What does that taste like?” Lucy asks.

I take a spoonful and lift it to her lips. “Here, try it. ”

Obediently, Lucy opens her mouth and closes those perfect lips over my spoon.

I’m watching her mouth, engrossed by the show. Bring on the zombies, I’m done.

Game over.

“That’s freaking amazing. Try mine.” Lucy feeds me a spoonful of hers.

I barely taste it because I’m so intently focused on her.

“Important question. Again, did not have to consult Google…sweet or savory?” Lucy asks, eyes dancing with mirth.

I laugh. “Damn, woman, take it easy on me.”

When Lucy giggles, I notice a small ice cream smear on the edge of her mouth. I reach over with my napkin and gently wipe the corner of her lips.

“Both. I want it all,” I say softly.

I hope Lucy knows I’m no longer just talking about the ice cream.

Too soon, we’re done with our dessert, and I don't have any other ideas for keeping her out longer.

After I park on the street, I walk her to her apartment complex. “This is the best first not-fake date I’ve ever had in my life.”

Lucy laughs. “Same here.”

With her eyes still on mine, I lean forward. “Can I kiss you goodnight?”

“Please do,” Lucy breathes.

I bend down and capture her soft lips in mine.

Jesus, the exhilaration of her lips pressing on mine is so intense, I’m shuddering from the most exquisite agony.

Cupping the back of her head gently, I pull her closer, my tongue entangling with hers in a heated dance.

Blood surges to my groin, and I’m tingling everywhere.

Lifting her curtain of hair, I drop a kiss on her long, elegant neck and trace the curve of her ear with a finger.

There is so much more I want to explore—vast expanses of skin begging for me to touch.

I want to ravish every inch of her slowly, kiss her everywhere.

But I step back, breathing hard, giving her space although every nerve in my body is screaming to crush her back to me.

While I attempt to calm my heartbeat, I’m suddenly aware nothing will ever be the same for me.

“As soon as I get home, I’m sending you a text,” I say, my lips curving into a smile. “Because I want to set up our second, not-fake date.”

“Okay,” Lucy says faintly, touching her lips. “I had a great time tonight, Jake. Thank you so much.”

“Just you wait,” I say. “This is just the beginning.”

The moment my keys drop on my counter in my apartment, I text Lucy.

Me: How does a movie at my place sound? Your choice.

Lucy: Armageddon.

Me: … are you sure? There’s nothing else like the entire series of Fast and Furious that you’d like to see?

Lucy: Ha ha. Nope, I’m forcing you to watch Armageddon with me.

Me: Takeout okay? Looks like we both have tomorrow night off, if that works for you.

Lucy: I can’t wait. I don’t want to miss a thing.

Me: Groan.

I collapse backwards on my bed. Another night with Lucy. And Lucy will be here. In my apartment. Tomorrow.

Then I jolt upwards. Fuck. She’s gonna be here tomorrow! I dash around to clean up my apartment.